Many Georgia residents rely on one or several medications to prevent or reduce the side effects of various ailments. Prescription medications can treat many conditions, including depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Unfortunately, because these medications are so effective, some people find themselves in the clutches of addiction.
Abusing opioids
Opioids are medications typically used to lessen someone’s pain. These medications work by binding themselves to your brain’s opioid receptors. After this binding occurs, opioids stop the brain from sending pain signals throughout the rest of your body. This type of drug abuse can numb pain but also slow down your respiratory activity. In some cases, opioid abuse can also put someone in a coma or cause their death.
Using too many stimulants
Stimulant-related drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall treat people with conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. However, some people without these conditions take stimulants to increase their alertness and overall energy. Whether taken in excess by themselves or taken with other medications, abusing stimulants can raise your body temperature to dangerous levels. Stimulant abuse can also be tough on your heart. As with depressants and opioids, stimulants are also highly addictive.
Taking too many depressants
People use depressants that work on their central nervous systems. These medications often benefit people with severe anxiety, sleeping difficulties and panic attacks. Besides the risk of facing drug crimes, abusing depressants can also cause your heartbeat to slow down to the point of death.
When taken according to a physician’s directions, prescription medication can make life easier for many people. However, abusing these medications is a potentially life-threatening addiction.